Clayton Anderson

Cumberland – Clayton Clifford “Tuna” Anderson, 56, of Cumberland died Wednesday, September 24, 2014 at Gosnell Memorial Hospice after a fairly recent diagnosis of cancer. He was born in Portland, on July 3, 1958, a son of Janice (True) and Lewis Anderson. He was educated in Cumberland schools and graduated from Greely High School, Class of 1976, where he was a member of the golf team.

Clayton worked at the family business, Anderson Lobster Traps, for many years, landscaping (hardscape) and numerous jobs at Toddy Brook golf course. However, his greatest love was being a stay-at-home Dad for his two daughters, Sara and Julia, for seven years. This could explain his enjoyment of game shows, trivia and being a decent handyman.

Clayton enjoyed being outdoors and even thought of being a Maine Guide at one time, not surprising given his love of hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, skiing and taking his daughters ice fishing; oh, and golfing. Throw in softball, he pitched a no-hitter in 1987, some serious cribbage playing, bowling and golfing and he was a well “rounded” individual. He was a member of Val Halla and Toddy Brook where he was club champion three times. Annual trips would be to go to Myrtle Beach; you guessed it, to play golf. Over his life lifetime he had six hole in ones and shot two 66 rounds and was sometimes called “Golden Boy” by those who thought he was just lucky. Of all things, he took pride in not having one grey hair at age 56.

He enjoyed making people laugh and was known to be an instigator setting up his brother to take the rap. For those who knew Clayton as “Tuna” – “You can tune a piano but you can’t tuna fish.” Clayton loved life, the many friends he met along the journey and lived it with true optimism. Even after his diagnosis he continued to live with grace. Without a doubt, his greatest joy in life could be seen when he was in the presence of his daughters – “He would light up”.

Clayton is survived by his two daughters: Sara Anderson and Julia Anderson of Yarmouth; their mother Maureen Anderson Green of Falmouth; his mother and father, Janice and Lewis Anderson of Yarmouth; his brother Dana Anderson and his wife Barbara of Old Orchard Beach; his sister Deborah Anderson of Cumberland; his sister Rebecca Marr and her husband John of Falmouth; his sister Elizabeth Laverriere and her husband Joseph of Portland; ten nieces and nephews and one great-niece.

He was predeceased by his father, Dana Cobb Anderson; his paternal grandparents, Hazel and Clifford Anderson; his maternal grandparents, Inez and Robert True; as well as his great-grandmother, Flora Stinson.

A time of gathering and visitation will be held on Friday October 3, 2014 from 5 – 7 PM at Lindquist Funeral Home, One Mayberry Lane, Yarmouth. A memorial service will be held on Saturday October 4, at 4:00 PM at the North Yarmouth Congregational Church, 3 Gray Road, North Yarmouth. Please visit www.lindquistfuneralhome.com to view a video collage of Clayton’s and to share condolences, memories and tributes with his family.

For those who wish, donations may be made in Clayton’s memory to: American Lung Association of Maine, 122 State Street, Augusta, ME 04330.